Three years had danced by like fleeting shadows, and Yoriichi and Qian Renxue, now five years old, filled Spirit Hall with the vibrant energy of their growing spirits. Their birthday had unfolded in a spectacle rare for the sacred halls—a grand celebration in Bibi Dong's chamber, transformed into a haven of festivity.
A towering cake, baked by Bibi Dong herself after months of mastering recipes with the maids, stood adorned with fresh berries and swirls of cream, its scent teasing the air. Balloons in hues of gold and crimson floated above, and ribbons cascaded from the ceiling, catching the lantern light.
Qian Daoliu and Qian Xunji were present, a rare alignment of Spirit Hall's titans, joined by revered elders and the temple's cherished grandpas, their weathered faces softened by the twins' laughter. Gifts overflowed—a golden pendant from Daoliu, etched with a protective rune, and a polished wooden sword from Xunji, its edge blunt but gleaming.
"Happy birthday, my heirs," Xunji declared, his voice loud with forced warmth, while Daoliu's quiet smile carried a grandfather's pride. Renxue clapped at the decorations, her purple eyes aglow, while Yoriichi's maroon gaze lingered on the sword, a spark of his past life stirring.
The celebration included a Spirit Hall tradition—a ceremonial lantern release, where elders inscribed blessings on paper lanterns that floated into the night sky, their glow a prayer for the twins' futures.
The grandpas, usually stoic, chuckled as Renxue tried to chase a drifting lantern, while Yoriichi watched, fascinated by the ritual's grace. "May your paths shine as bright as these lights," Daoliu said, his voice resonant, earning nods from the elders. The twins' joy was palpable, their laughter weaving through the room, binding the gathering in a rare moment of unity.
Over the three years, Yoriichi had blossomed into a keen observer, his reincarnated mind devouring knowledge. He read complex books on Spirit Hall's history, spirit beasts, and forbidden techniques, his fingers tracing intricate characters with ease.
Renxue, inspired by her brother's focus, mimicked him, her progress swift as she puzzled out stories of ancient wars and heroic ascents. "You're both so clever," Bibi Dong praised, ruffling their hair during quiet afternoons, her heart swelling at their shared curiosity.
The twins' chatter—sometimes clear, sometimes a jumble of new words—filled her chamber with life, a stark contrast to the cold ambition of her future self.
At four, Yoriichi had noticed his body maturing faster, resembling a six- or seven-year-old from his old world. Perplexed, he'd asked, "Mother, why am I growing so fast?" Bibi Dong knelt, her hand gentle on his shoulder. "Superior bloodlines and spirits speed growth, my sun. You and Renxue are special."
Reassured, Yoriichi's eyes gleamed with resolve. "I want to train physically, to be strong like you." Bibi Dong hesitated, worry flickering, but his determination won her over. "Alright, but balance is key—no overexertion," she said firmly. Yoriichi hugged her tightly, his heart alight with purpose.
Renxue, overhearing, puffed out her cheeks. "I'll train too!" she announced, her competitive spirit blazing. Bibi Dong chuckled, setting the same rule. "Train together, but rest when tired."
The twins began with simple exercises—stretches, short sprints in the garden, guided by Bibi Dong's careful instructions. Early attempts ended in giggles, their small bodies collapsing after minutes, but daily practice forged resilience.
They mastered balance drills, their steps surer, their breaths steadier. Bibi Dong watched, pride blooming. My responsible children, she thought, delighted by their steady improvement, their physiques now robust for their age.
Yoriichi, ever curious about the soul power pulsing around him, asked, "When can I use it, Mother?" Bibi Dong smiled softly. "At six, when your martial soul awakens. Then your true strength will show." His mood dipped, then lifted with anticipation. "What will mine be?" Renxue, nearby, bounced excitedly. "Mine too! Maybe wings!" Their chatter turned to wild guesses—fiery blades, celestial beasts—their bond fueling shared dreams.
Yoriichi, reflecting on his past, considered his Sun Breathing. I'll start sword training soon—swings, slashes, like before. Perhaps I'll teach Mother and Renxue one day, he thought, then paused. There's time. For now, simple routines.
Bibi Dong, now at level 89, had pushed her limits with relentless innovation. She'd developed a rare clone technique, her doppelgänger mirroring her personality but wielding lower soul power, perfect for guarding the twins during her ventures. Spirit Hall will be mine, she vowed, plotting a 100,000-year spirit ring hunt upon reaching level 90.
Twice weekly, she slipped out, cloaked in her perfected concealment technique, to auctions or forests like Star Dou and Sunset.
One venture led to a hidden cave in Sunset Forest, where she discovered a luminous vine granting temporary invisibility, enhancing her stealth. I can dispatch low Titled Douluos with precision, challenge higher ones with cunning, she assessed, her confidence solidified.
At a clandestine auction, she'd acquired a rare artifact—a jade amulet that pulsed with soul-enhancing energy, boosting her cultivation speed. In Star Dou Forest, she battled a 20,000-year Shadow Leopard, its agility testing her reflexes. My growth outpaces my past self, she thought, satisfied.
Her revenge against Qian Xunji, planned within four years, took shape through subtle manipulation. She greeted him with calculated smiles, calling him "Master" with a nod. "How fares Spirit Hall, Master?" she'd ask, her tone warm. Xunji, initially wary, grew smug. My charm finally works, he thought, his ego blinding him to her scheme. He played with Renxue more, offering brief instructions for their training, unaware Bibi Dong had already begun it.
Let him trust me, she thought, then I'll strike. Her plan—a betrayal in the Secret Chamber—grew clearer, her patience a sharpened blade.
Afternoon outings to markets and gardens were treasures for the twins. Renxue marveled at vibrant stalls, clutching a beaded bracelet Bibi Dong bought, while Yoriichi noted vendors' soul auras, assessing their strength.
In the gardens, they chased glowing fireflies, their laughter mingling with the scent of snow-dusted blooms. Qian Daoliu's visits, bearing carved toys, strengthened their bond, his laughter warm. "You're growing strong," he'd say, tossing a ball. Xunji's weekly visits favored Renxue, leaving Yoriichi unbothered but Renxue pouting, her loyalty to her brother fierce.
One evening, Bibi Dong tested her amulet, its energy surging through her veins, amplifying her soul fusion. This will tip the scales, she thought, tucking it away. At the dining hall, Xunji waited, eager for "family time." The twins greeted him politely, eating heartily.
Bibi Dong's calm nods hid her disdain, her focus on her children. After dinner, they retired, Xunji pausing in his room. She's acting like a proper wife now—greeting, smiling, he mused, wistful. Soon, I'll win her entirely. Shaking off impatience, he slept, plotting to capture her heart, oblivious to her deadly intent.
At night, Bibi Dong reviewed her techniques, withdrawing a new herb from storage to test its effects. Satisfied, she joined the twins in bed, her arms a shield. Their peaceful sleeps fueled her, her smile genuine as she dreamed of their ascendance.
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